Stair Lifts

Using stairs is an everyday nightmare for many people. As we grow older the stairs in our home can become more of a struggle due to mobility problems associated with old age, an accident or illness. Often when out shopping or in a public place an alternative can be found such as a lift or escalator, but the stairs at home can become a daily challenge. Many people who experience difficulty climbing the stairs come to dread having to use them. For people whose bathroom or toilet is upstairs it can be even more of an issue.

When faced with the challenges that limited mobility brings to the home, there are several options. An expensive and disruptive choice is to move into a bungalow, which can be very stressful, especially if the move is away from family and friends. Some people are forced simply to live downstairs. This can lead to a fall in their standard of living, from lack of space and privacy. Another option is to extend the living space downstairs, which can be costly and disruptive and may not be worth the effort when it comes to selling the house. Other people do nothing at all and continue to struggle on a daily basis, increasing their risk of injury from falling.

But there is really no need to continue to live in dread of the stairs or make drastic decisions such as to move. Having a stair lift installed has made life easier for thousands of people with limited mobility. Buying a stair lift can really improve quality of life for someone who wants to stay independent in their own home. The initial cost may be daunting but that needs to be weighed up against the alternative costs and inconvenience of moving to a bungalow or extending the downstairs.

There are many advantages of choosing a stair lift. Out of all the options mentioned above, having a stair lift installed causes the least disruption. In fact, after an initial visit from a representative of the stair lift company to take measurements of the staircase, a stairlift can be installed within a day. The color and upholstery can be chosen especially to blend in or compliment the existing d

There is no doubt that having a stair lift in your home can dramatically improve your quality of life. If you are starting to find that climbing the stairs is becoming a hazardous experience, or just hard work, then a stair lift could be the answer. Another solution could be to move to a single storey residence. However, this can be expensive and stressful, and many people are reluctant to leave a house that they have spent many years turning into a home.

Once you start considering the possibility of having a stair lift, you begin to delve into what can be a highly technical area. However sure you are of what you want, I strongly recommend that you take professional advice from someone with experience in this field. In most areas, informed advice is available from community occupational therapists (OT’s). You will also need to make contact with a company who specialises in installing stair lifts. I would advise that you contact at least 3 companies because there can be a huge difference in price and quality. Unfortunately, as the populations average age increases, more and more unscrupulous traders have entered the market and you need to make sure that you are not being ripped off.

If possible visit a demonstration centre and try a stair lift yourself. A stair lift is not the answer for everyone. For example, if you are confined to a wheelchair, then a lift that goes through the floor would probably be the best option.

The technology involved in stair lifts has improved dramatically in recent years. A stair lift can be installed on 99% of stair cases these days. But remember, not all stair lift companies are equal, some are using technology that is several years old. My advice is to research as many products as you can and to get as many quotations as you can. Knowledge is power after all, and with a few sensible precautions before purchase, you can ensure that you buy the right lift for your needs for the right price.

Remember : Always get more than one quote and make sure that the products are ‘like for like’

Try a manufacturer and a local supplier to get a price comparison.

Ask your local authority or Occupational Therapist who they prefer to use.

If possible have another family member or an O/T present.

Ask about maintenance costs, will they still look after your lift even if you don’t sign up to an expensive contract? A reputable company will service your lift regardless.

Are the company approved suppliers? If not, they will struggle to obtain spare parts and their engineers will not be trained by the manufacturer.

An independent supplier can tell you about a range of different stair lifts without bias to one manufacturer.

Exercise caution if the salesman is pushing you to buy that day.Many salesmen start with a high price and discount to close a sale. A reputable company will quote the best price from the start.

If possible try a lift out in a Disabled Living Centre showroom. A stair lift is not suitable for everyone.

Do as much research as possible, there are many companies in this industry who sell at highly inflated prices.

Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home.

Stair Lift Buying Guide

There are two types of stairlift. Straight and curved. The first is designed for straight stairs. The footrest of the lift will normally stop level with the top stair. It may be possible to use a straight stairlift on some configurations of curved stairs.

The second, and generally far more expensive type, is a ‘made to measure’ or ‘curved track stairlift’ which can travel around bends on the stairs and can be made to run on to the landing. Prices vary according to the length of the stairs, the number of bends and the complexity of the bends.

It is worth noting that although far more expensive, the resale value is negligible, as the rail is made to measure and can only be re-installed on an identical staircase.

Curved track stairlifts can be fitted on either side of the stairs, the layout of your staircase will determine which is most suitable. If you need a curved track stairlift you will need to pay a deposit to the company that you are dealing with. This will normally be about 30% of the cost of the lift. The deposit is required because the company are committing themselves to building a stairlift rail that will only fit into your house. You should not have to pay a large deposit if you order a standard straight lift as these can usually be adapted to suit another staircase.

In certain circumstances it is possible to fit a straight stairlift on stairs that have a turn at the top. For example if you have a straight run of stairs with three steps winding onto the landing. Or a straight flight and a quarter landing with two more steps, a folding platform stairlift could be the solution. A straight stairlift is installed with extended legs, so the footrest stops in line with the landing. A solid wooden platform is then built around the footrest of the lift. This platform can then be used to walk safely onto the landing. The platform is hinged so that it can be folded back against the wall to enable other people in the house to use the stairs.

It is also possible to have a powered platform so the user doesn’t have to bend to raise it. Please note that the folding platform option is not suitable for everyone. If you are prone to dizzy spells or feinting or if you have very poor mobility this is not a viable option. Seek independent advice.

Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home.

Stair Lifts – Straight and Curved Rails

If a door at the top or the bottom of the stairs may be blocked by the rail of the stairlift, there are a number of models designed to overcome this problem. Some manufacturers are able to produce a rail with reduced overhang upstairs, so the lift will not protrude as far into the hallway. This may solve the problem at the top of your stairs and is a very cost effective solution.

If there is a door or passageway at the bottom of the stairs then it is likely that you will need a folding track or hinged rail stairlift. This means that the bottom section of the rail can be folded out of the way when the lift is not being used. This will allow you to gain access to a door that would be blocked by a normal rail and also means that there is no tripping hazard if you have an open hallway downstairs.

The hinged rail option is available from most suppliers but the cost and quality can vary greatly. Seek independent advice and consider if you would be able to fold the rail manually or if you would require powered operation. Most people do need the powered version as the mechanism can be quite heavy. Unfortunately these options will add to the cost of the lift.

The only other option is to stop the rail of the lift short, to prevent it protruding as far into the hallway. This might make getting off the lift dangerous and is not an ideal solution by any means. Again you must seek advice, preferably from an occupational therapist. Also take into account that while you may be able to use the lift this way in the short term you may find it impossible in the future. Some companies may not consider it an option as they feel there is too much risk involved.

Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home.

Hinged Rail Stair Lifts

Lift chairs greatly improve the quality of life for people suffering from mobility-impairing diseases such as arthritis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, and obesity. Lift chairs look and feel like a typical reclining chair; however, a lift chair makes it easier for a mobility-limited individual to get in and out of the chair by gently rising into a more comfortable position. Lift chairs come in a variety of colors and are made with a variety of fabrics.

They also come with a variety of features such as heat and massage. So with all the different types of lift chairs out there, which one is right for you? To find the right lift chair, you should research the following common lift chair features before making a purchase:
Weight Capacity – Most lift chairs are designed for people who are 5’4” to 6’ tall and weigh less than 375 pounds. However, there are larger lift chairs that are made for people who are taller than 6’ or weight more than 375 pounds. These larger lift chairs usually have a maximum weight limit of 600 to 700 pounds.
Fabric Type – Lift chairs are made with a variety of fabrics. Most are made using a cloth-like fabric that is padded to provide cushioning. More expensive lift chairs are made with leather or suede.

Battery Backup Feature – For someone who is entirely dependent on the lifting feature of his or her lift chair, in the event of a power outage he or she would be stuck in the chair. That is, unless the chair has a battery backup feature. If the lift chair features a battery backup, the chair would function normally in a power outage.

Number of Reclining Positions – Lift chairs are available with either 2 or 3 reclining positions. Some lift chairs have infinite reclining positions so the person using the chair can find the reclined spot that’s right for them. If the person using the lift chair plans to sleep in it, look for a lift chair that reclines to a laying-down position.
Warranty – Check to see what kind of warranty is offered on the lift chair. Look for lift chairs that offer a free in-home repair and parts warranty. Also make sure that the warranty last for a good amount of time. Even though lift chairs are reliable, consider purchasing an extended warranty if available.
Price – Lift chairs vary in price. The least expensive lift chairs cost about $400 to $500.00. But they don’t offer as many features as the more expensive ones. Luxury lift chairs cost about $600 to $800. Larger lift chairs that have a higher weight capacity can cost $1000 or more.
Luxuries – The more expensive lift chairs offer such luxuries as heat and massage features. Some also even come with built in refrigerators!
Although there are many different types of lift chairs available today, choosing the right one will make a world of a difference to the person who needs it.

For more information about Lift Chairs, visit the Lift Chair Buyer’s Guide. http://www.liftchairguide.com/

There are a number of options available to make using a stair lift easier. The most obvious option is to have a swivel seat stairlift. This means that you can swivel the chair when you reach the top of the stairs, so that you are facing away from the staircase when you get off. The swivel seat is usually operated by pressing down on a lever at the side of the chair. A swivel seat stairlift makes it much easier and safer to get on and off the lift. The stairlift chair then acts as a barrier so that if you were to lose balance you could not fall down the stairs. A swivel seat is a standard option on most stairlifts these days, so you shouldn’t have to pay extra.
Powered swivel seats are also available if you are unable to swivel the seat yourself. Most of the powered swivel options are now automatic. When the chair reaches the top of the rail there will be a short delay and the seat will then swivel the user onto the landing. This option will add to the cost of the stairlift and the quality can vary according to the manufacturer. As always seek independent advice and get prices from more than one source. If a powered swivel isn’t necessary at the moment but could be useful in the future make sure the seat can be adapted.
Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home and http://www.sparedolphin.blogspot.com a blog about stair lifts.

Buying a stairlift can have huge benefits for your quality of life, giving you back some freedom and independence. Stairlifts can be adapted to your individual needs, so no matter what your requirements are, there’ll be one to suit you. The stairlift company representative who visits your home can assess what type of design would be best for you. There are two main sorts. Straight stairlifts are suitable for staircases that don’t have any bends. They glide in a straight line up and down the stairs. If your staircase has corners or curves, a curved stairlift will be necessary to negotiate the turns.

Your mobility needs will be taken into account. As it is safer to sit down when using a stair chair lift, seated stairlifts are the most common design. It is possible to install a stand-on stairlift if you have difficulty bending your legs, but this type of stair lift can usually only be installed on a straight staircase and may have a weight limit. A perching stairlift is an option for people who can’t bend their knees to a sitting position and are unable to straighten their legs out. Some public buildings have stairlifts with wheelchair platforms, but these need a lot of space and are often too wide to be fitted to a residential stairway.

Your new stairlift can also be adapted to make it easier for you to use. It’s essential to be safe and comfortable when using a stairlift. Special features can be added to give you more confidence to operate the lift on your own. For example, if you suffer from arthritis in your fingers, you can have a joystick instead of button controls. By choosing a reputable company you can expect to get expert advice to help you choose the best sort of stairlift for your particular needs, which should make life easier and take the fear out of struggling with the stairs on a daily basis.

A reputable stairlifts company can assist you in getting the most out of your new stairlift, so there’s no need to struggle with the stairs any longer.

Caroline Smith is a successful freelance writer who has written many articles for http://www.1-stair-lift.com the leading information resource on http://www.1-stair-lift.com, including curved and http://www.1-stair-lift.com/straight-stairlifts.html from a vast selection of quality manufacturers.

Stairlifts ? Take the Struggle Out of Climbing the Stairs

Buying second hand stair lifts is a viable and cost effective alternative to purchasing a brand new stair lift. Most stair lifts can be purchased new or second hand.

Second hand stair lifts should be every bit as reliable as a brand new lift and most reputable firms will offer the same 12 month guarantee.

The life expectancy of a stair lift should be in excess of 10 years, however, anything much older than this and it is probably not worth using anymore. Stair lift suppliers generally stop making spare parts for the lifts after about 10 years.

Straight stair lifts can usually be adapted to fit another staircase because the stair lift rail can be cut to suit the length of the stair. This means that you can use a second hand rail and motor.

Curved staircases will need a new stair lift rail to be manufactured as it essential to have a rail that is made to measure. It is important that the rail is tight to the stairs and does not cause obstruction to others. A second hand motor and chair can still be used.

If you order a curved rail second hand stair lift, make sure that it is a brand new rail that you are getting. Some companies re-manufacture old pieces of rail to try and get them to fit on a new stair case. Most experts agree that this is not a safe practice. A re-manufactured rail or reconditioned rail will not conform to British Safety Standards. If you are in doubt ask to see a copy of the manufacturers drawing.

Christian Dunnage is a director of Dolphin Mobility Ltd, a UK based independent supplier of stair lifts and mobility products http://www.dolphinlifts.co.uk and author of http://www.stairlift.co.uk an impartial online guide to having a stair lift in your home.

Second Hand Stair Lifts